Newfound Gap Road – TN

Gatlinburg Skylift Park is a popular and exhilarating attraction nestled in the heart of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, offering visitors a unique way to experience the stunning beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. At the heart of the park is the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in North America. Spanning 680 feet across a deep valley, the SkyBridge provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. It's an incredible vantage point for capturing the natural splendor of the Smokies, and visitors can enjoy the thrill of walking across the glass-floor panels, offering a sense of walking on air high above the treetops.

The park's scenic chairlift ride, the Gatlinburg SkyLift, takes visitors on a picturesque journey to the summit of Crockett Mountain. Along the way, you can soak in panoramic views of Gatlinburg and the lush mountain terrain. Once at the top, a spacious observation deck offers additional opportunities for taking in the scenic vistas, making it a fantastic spot for photography and enjoying the serenity of the Smoky Mountains. The park also features a charming gift shop and a mountain-themed café, providing a perfect setting to relax and enjoy refreshments amidst the beauty of the natural surroundings. Gatlinburg Skylift Park is a must-visit attraction for those seeking both adventure and tranquility in the heart of the Smokies.

The Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail, located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a short but enchanting hiking trail that is accessible to all users and offers a glimpse into the diverse ecosystems of the Smokies. Situated near the park's Sugarlands Visitor Center, this easily accessible trail is a great introduction to the natural beauty and biodiversity that the national park has to offer. The trailhead can be found just behind the visitor center, making it a convenient stop for park visitors seeking a brief outdoor excursion.

This nature trail covers approximately 0.5 miles and is a loop, which means you return to the starting point without retracing your steps. Along the way, interpretive signs provide educational information about the flora, fauna, and geological features of the area. The trail meanders through a mixed forest of hardwood trees, and if you keep a keen eye, you may spot wildlife like white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. A highlight of the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is the charming waterfall known as Cataract Falls, which adds a refreshing and picturesque element to the hike. It's an excellent choice for families, amateur naturalists, and anyone looking for a peaceful and informative walk in the splendid natural setting of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The Chimney Tops Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, is a beloved hiking route known for its stunning panoramic views and challenging terrain. Named for the twin peaks that resemble chimneys, this trail is a testament to the rugged beauty of the Smoky Mountains. The trailhead is accessible from Newfound Gap Road, and the 4-mile round trip journey takes hikers through a diverse range of natural landscapes.

The Chimney Tops Trail is renowned for its steep and rocky ascent, which requires agility and endurance. The reward for those who make the challenging climb is a breathtaking vista that showcases the rolling hills and lush forests of the Great Smoky Mountains. The trail offers an opportunity to connect with the pristine wilderness of the national park, and its popularity is a testament to its allure. Please note that due to the trail's popularity and delicate ecosystem, hikers are urged to stay on designated paths and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect this natural treasure for future generations.

Alum Cave Trail, located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, is one of the most popular and iconic hiking routes in the park. Renowned for its natural beauty and diverse terrain, the trail offers a rewarding adventure for hikers of varying skill levels. The trail's name is somewhat misleading, as Alum Cave is not a traditional cave but rather a large rock shelter, providing a unique and stunning natural feature along the journey.

The trail covers approximately 4.4 miles (round trip) and takes hikers through a variety of landscapes, including lush forests, moss-covered boulders, and babbling streams. The highlight of the hike is undoubtedly Alum Cave, a massive concave bluff that offers a cool respite on hot days and provides an awe-inspiring view of the surrounding mountains. Beyond Alum Cave, more adventurous hikers can continue on to destinations like Gracie's Pulpit or even reach the summit of Mount LeConte for even more stunning vistas. Whether you're seeking a day hike to the cave or a longer trek to explore the higher elevations of the Smoky Mountains, Alum Cave Trail is a memorable adventure that showcases the natural beauty and biodiversity of this remarkable national park.

Clingmans Dome, located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, stands as a majestic sentinel in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi River, rising to an elevation of 6,643 feet (2,025 meters) above sea level. The iconic observation tower that crowns Clingmans Dome offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountain landscapes and dense forests, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

The journey to Clingmans Dome is an adventure in itself, as visitors ascend a spiraling road through dense forests, ultimately reaching a large parking area near the summit. From there, a paved trail leads to the observation tower, which offers unobstructed views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the rolling Appalachian terrain. On a clear day, visitors can see for miles in every direction, taking in the splendor of the park's lush wilderness. Clingmans Dome is not only a place of natural beauty but also a serene and contemplative location where visitors can connect with the grandeur of the Great Smoky Mountains and appreciate the importance of preserving this remarkable ecosystem.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, is a natural treasure that encompasses a breathtaking expanse of ancient mountains, lush forests, and diverse ecosystems. It is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, renowned for its stunning beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage. The park is named for the blue-hued mist that often envelops the mountains, creating an ethereal and mystical atmosphere that adds to its allure.

Spanning over 800 square miles, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Its rugged terrain offers a multitude of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. The park is home to an astounding variety of plant and animal species, with over 19,000 documented species living within its boundaries. Visitors can explore hundreds of miles of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures, and marvel at cascading waterfalls, pristine streams, and panoramic vistas. The park also preserves historic structures, including log cabins and grist mills, offering a glimpse into the Appalachian heritage of the region. Whether you come for the natural beauty, the cultural history, or the endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a place of wonder and inspiration, inviting all who visit to connect with the majesty of the natural world.

Begin in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This is a family friendly haven of activity from aquariums to mini golf to mountain coasters and more! Visitors can’t miss out on the Gatlinburg Skylift Park. The Skylift Park has become an iconic symbol of Gatlinburg since the introduction of its yellow chaired lift and features the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in America as well as the best views of the Smokies.

You will then travel into the heart of the park. There are countless opportunities for active recreation throughout the byway within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Explore a host of trails, campground, picnic areas, and trailhead immediately adjacent to the roadway that provide access to natural and cultural features. The byway is dotted with pull-offs and overlooks that provide access to resting points and spectacular panoramic views of the landscape. Stop at the Chimney Tops Overlook to enjoy these iconic rock outcroppings.

You will continue through the park into North Carolina. After crossing through the Newfound Gap, the byway reaches Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the Smokies. A paved halfmile trail climbs steeply from the parking area to a 45-foot-tall observation tower at the “top of old Smoky.” Enjoy the many scenic overlooks along the way.

The route ends in Cherokee, North Carolina, a culturally rich town home to the Cherokee tribe. Here, visitors can experience Cherokee culture and traditions. Be sure to see the Oconaluftee Indian Village, “Unto These Hills” outdoor drama, and the Sequoyah National Golf Club while experiencing all of the outdoor recreation activities the town has to offer.